Senegal’s football authorities have announced plans to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after the nation was stripped of its Africa Cup of Nations title.

“The Senegalese Football Federation condemns this unjust, unprecedented, and unacceptable decision, which brings African football into disrepute,” the federation said in a statement.

Senegal had originally won the match, with Pape Gueye scoring the winner in extra time, but controversy arose when the team walked off the pitch during the regular 90 minutes.

They protested after Ismaila Sarr’s goal was disallowed and Morocco was awarded a late penalty following VAR intervention.

Senegal manager Pape Thiaw appeared to urge his side to leave the field, and they returned about 15 minutes later, after which Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the penalty.

The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) later ruled Senegal had forfeited the game, awarding Morocco a 3-0 win, citing Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations that penalize teams leaving the field without referee permission.

“To defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the federation will, as soon as possible, file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne,” the statement added.

The Malawi national football team, the Flames, held their second training session on Tuesday morning at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre as preparations continue for the 2025 Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup.

All players called up by Head Coach Kalisto Pasuwa reported for camp, with the exception of Silver Strikers midfielder Zebron Kalima, who has been ruled out due to injury. Defender Washali Jaziya will also miss the tournament after requesting to be excused from the squad.

The team is scheduled to depart for Bloemfontein, South Africa, on Wednesday via Chileka International Airport in Blanytre.

Malawi will be looking to make a strong impression in this year’s regional tournament, with final squad preparations nearly complete.

The Malawi national football team, The Flames, is expected to Burkina Faso today at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe as part of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The match is set to kick off at 3:00 PM, marking a second game under the guidance of new head coach Calisto Pasuwa,

The match aim to avenge their 3-1 defeat to Burkina Faso on 10 September 2024 at  Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali,when Malawi was headed by coach Patrick Mabedi, who was later dismissed due to poor performance.

In his pre-match remarks, Pasuwa stated that the team is well-prepared and has thoroughly studied their opponents though footage obtained from different media practitioners.

He has called up key players such as Richard Mbulu and Gabadinho Mhango, who are expected to play a pivotal role in turning the tables on Burkina Faso.

Currently, the Flames are at the bottom of Group L with only one point, which they earned after a draw against Burundi on November 14, 2024. With this match being critical to their qualification hopes, the team and fans are hopeful for a strong performance.

All eyes will be on the Flames as they seek to restore pride and keep their AFCON dreams alive.

Malawi’s national football team, the Flames, earned their first point in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Burundi at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Despite being out of contention for AFCON qualification after four consecutive losses, the Flames showed resilience, ending the game with their first clean sheet in the qualifiers.

Caretaker coach Kalisto Pasuwa made key changes to the starting lineup, bringing back Charles Petro, Alick Lungu, Richard Mbulu, and Gabadinho Mhango, while debuting Yankho Singo, a midfielder from Bullets FC. The Flames were off to a strong start, earning two corner kicks within the first 14 minutes, though Burundi’s defense held firm.

The first half remained largely uneventful for Burundi, who only managed their first chance in the 35th minute after Pacifique Niyongabire was fouled by Dennis Chembezi. Burundi’s free kick was blocked by Malawi’s defense, maintaining the stalemate at halftime.

After the break, Burundi intensified their efforts, coming close to scoring in the 50th minute, but a weak shot by Nsabiyumva was easily saved by Malawi’s goalkeeper William Thole. Pasuwa then refreshed his lineup, making triple substitutions in the 62nd minute, bringing on Chawanangwa Kaonga, Loyd Njaliwa, and Lloyd Aaron.

Malawi’s best chance of the game came in the 86th minute. Chawanangwa Kaonga’s cross was parried by Burundi’s keeper, and Mpinganjira set up Mhango in the penalty box, but Mhango’s shot was heroically saved on the line.

Despite a final surge in stoppage time, including a bicycle kick attempt from Mhango, the Flames couldn’t break the deadlock. The draw leaves Malawi at the bottom of Group L with just one point. The Flames conclude their AFCON Qualifiers campaign at home against Burkina Faso at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.

Pasuwa believed the work of :William Thole (GK), Macdonald Lameck (subbed by Gomezgani Chirwa, 70’), Charles Petro, Denis Chembezi, Richard Mbulu (subbed by Loyd Njaliwa, 62’), Gabadinho Mhango, Alick Lungu, John Banda (C), Gaddi Chirwa (subbed by Chawanangwa Kaonga, 62’), Lanjesi Nkhoma (subbed by Wisdom Mpinganjira, 70’), Yankho Singo (subbed by Lloyd Aaron, 62’)

Unused Subs: Richard Chimbamba, George Chikooka, Nickson Mwase, Nickson Nyasulu, Patrick Mwaungulu, Zebron Kalima, Maxwell Paipi.

FAM

Malawi Under-20 National Team coach, Bob Mpinganjira, has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to secure victory in the upcoming COSAFA Youth Championship, and ultimately qualify for the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Speaking on Monday after unveiling his final 20-man squad, which departed for Maputo, Mozambique, Mpinganjira said the team is well-prepared and eager to seize the opportunity to reach the continental final. The tournament is set to begin on Thursday.

“The preparations went well and we are very hopeful that we are going to have a very good tournament,” Mpinganjira said. “We have never won the tournament, but we hope to this year. We have talked to the players about the importance of this tournament and that we have to go compete and win the Cup, and I am very sure that every player is geared up and that we will get good results.”

Malawi is placed in Group C alongside South Africa, Comoros, and Lesotho. The team will open their group stage campaign on Friday, September 27, with a clash against South Africa. Three days later, Malawi will take on Comoros, followed by their final group stage match against Lesotho on October 1st.

This year’s COSAFA U20 Championship, like previous editions, serves as a regional qualifier for the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, with the two finalists securing a place in the prestigious continental tournament.

Malawi Under-20 Final Squad:

Goalkeepers

• Amos Sande (Ekhaya)
• Innocent Kamwambi (Lube FC)

Defenders

• Washali Jaziya (Silver Strikers)
• Kondwani Tebulo (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets)
• Edward Thengo (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets RSV)
• Herimasi Masinja (Ascent Academy)
• Elias Mwaywanga (Karonga United Rsv)
• Happy Mphepo (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets)

Midfielders

• Precious Kwalenga (Mighty Tigers)
• Francis Malikebu (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets RSV)
• Blessings Kanowa (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets RSV)
• Madalitso Safuli (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets RSV)
• Zanil Jusabu (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets RSV)
• Mac Kwalira (Mkwichi PVT School)
• Misheck Billiat (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets RSV)
• Mwisho Mhango (Ascent Academy)
• Stimella Muyira (Chitipa United)

Strikers

• Masambiro Kalua (Mighty Tigers)
• Benson Chifundo Makawa (Kamuzu Barracks)
• Adriel Kaduya (Silver Strikers)

Malawi’s fans will be hoping for a strong showing from the team as they strive for their first COSAFA Youth Championship win and a spot in the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Malawi National Football Team (Flames) is continuing to struggle to get three points in the 2025 TotalErnegies Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.

The Flames have yesterday night smashed by The Stalions from Burkina Faso 3-1 at at Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali.

This happens after losing three point at home with Burindi last week.

Football fraternity have pointed fingers Flames head coach Patrick Mabedi for failing to solve their personal issues with Gabadihno Muhango as he is the only scoring machine Malawi has.

The Malawi Nationa football team Flames is today on 10 September, 2024 playing Burkina Faso in Mali.

The Flames is in Bamako with their head coach Patrick General Mabedi as they are eager to accumulate three points over The Stalions in 2025 TotalErnergies Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier.

The Match is expected to kick-off at 9:00PM and the battle field of getting of three points Stade du 26 Mars stadium.

Malawi is at the bottom of Group L with no point after losing 3 -2 in their first game with Burundi at Bingu National Stadium In Lilongwe last week 5 September.

Burundi national football team has defeated Malawi the flames 3-2 at Bingu national stadium in Lilongwe.

The Swallows have managed to accumulate their first three points  in 2025 Africa Cup of Nations  qualifiers over Malawi  at home.

The match, which had low participation, was favouring Jean Claude Girumugisha for Burundi who managed to score two goals after Chimwemwe Idana for Malawi scored on his own goal at 22 minutes.

Chawananga Kaonga scored for Flames at 32′ in the first half before Lanjes Nkhoma comes with a good header after a cross from Chawanangwa Kaonga leading the game to end at 3 -2 favouring Burundi.

Malawi will face Burkina Faso away in Bamako, Mali on Tuesday with no point.

Former Chelsea and Roma manager Jose Mourinho has commended the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over the high standard of officiating at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), notably the use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology.

Jose Mourinho writes: “I have watched AFCON more than European football. They are simply teaching us to be honest. In AFCON VAR is used exactly the way it should be used. They do not use it to help the money magnet teams or famous teams.

This is why you saw the best out of every team . Because they know VAR is not hired behind the scenes but is for everyone. They listen even to their Players if the Ref missed something and go check.

In Europe if I as a coach or a player plead with a ref to go check something, it is a red card for doing that. The headquarters for VAR needs to be in CAF”Add Mourinho.

-Sports Brief-

Senegal have become the first team to reach 2 successive Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations finals since 2010 after their dramatic win against Burkina Faso last night.

Goals from Abdou Diallo, Bamba Dieng and Sadio Mane were enough to give the Teranga Lions a shot at redemption after losing the 2019 championship game to Algeria.

They will face today’s winner between the hosts Cameroon and Egypt on Sunday while for the Stallions, they will wait for the losing side to face off for the 3rd and 4th place play offs during the final day of the competition.

Meanwhile, Egypt’s Coach, Carlos Queiroz stopped training yesterday after he noticed a drone flying above the training ground of the Egyptian team ahead of their AFCON 2021 Semi Final match against Cameroon.

An official said the drone was there for security reasons.

Tunisia have made an appeal to CAF to replay their Africa Cup of Nations Group F match against Mali after the ended in a controversial 1-0 defeat.

Mali were 1-0 up after Ibrahima Kone scored a spot-kick when referee Janny Sikazwe blew the final whistle early.

The Zambian official first blew the final whistle after just 85 minutes before restarting play for four minutes, but blew again with just 89 minutes and 43 seconds of the clash gone before 90 minutes.

According to DailyMail, Mali coach Mohamed Magassouba’s post-match press conference was later interrupted as it was announced the final three minutes of the game would be played. About 40 minutes later the Mali players and officials returned to the pitch but the Tunisian players refused as they had reportedly already had their ice baths.

Tunisia’s refusal to return to play the remainder of the game led to Sikazwe blowing his whistle once again to call off the match, meaning the 1-0 victory for Mali will stand.

In the aftermath, Tunisia coach Mondher Kebaier slammed the decision as ‘inexplicable’ and the nation have now called for the game to be replayed, according to beIN SPORTS.

Should the 1-0 result stand, Mali will be in a strong position to advance into the knockout stages of the competition for the second tournament running.

In his post-match press conference Kebaier said: ‘Very tough to manage non-sporting affairs.

‘At the 85th minute, he blows the final whistle. Again at 89th minute. There was supposed to be 7-8 minutes of additional time. His decision is inexplicable.’

‘The players were taking ice baths for 35 minutes before they were called back out again,’ he added. 

‘I’ve been coaching for a long time never seen anything like it. Even the 4th referee was preparing to lift the board and then the whistle was blown.’

All of the countries that will compete in the tournament, according to the head of True Word Fire Prophetic Ministries, must pray to avoid such a calamity.

Cameroon will host the 2021 AFCON, which will take place on Sunday, January 9, 2022.

Nigel Gaisie stated the ghost disclosed to him a terrorist attack in Cameroon during a 31st watch-night ceremony.

“This is a worldwide prophecy.” My spirit was brought into Cameroon for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations by the Lord. As described by our source, “I saw something like players standing on a stretcher and they were in pain, and some of them were sobbing.”

“Let the entire country of Cameroon pray, as well as any other qualified team, since I’m seeing signs of a terrorist attack and explosive attacks.”

“I see what happened at the stadium, and the entire place was in chaos, and people killed.”

The controversial pastor is known for prophesying disaster, and several Ghanaians have criticized his methods.

Last year, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), George Akuffo Dampare, warned pastors not to make prophesies that disturb the country’s peace.

The number of doom prophesies in Ghana was curtailed as a result of this directive, but some pastors, notably Nigel Gaisie, opted to spread their forecasts worldwide.

Minister of Youth development, Sports and Culture, Grace Obama Chiumia, has said the government has allocated extra funds for the Malawi National Team’s remaining two games in the African Cup of Nations (Afcon) against Mali and Ethiopia next week.

Chiumia speaking to a local radio station confirmed of the development.

“There’s no need to press the panic button. We will provide the funds so that the team complete the two remaining games. We will release the funds very shortly. We are still speaking to other well wishers on how they can assist the team and we are sure of getting something,” said the minister.

The Flames were in a scare of pulling out of Afcon 2015 competition after government failed to provide funds for the team to go into camp.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) have also revealed that since the funding is now available, the team is expected to enter into camp on Monday next week, with professional players’ starting to arrive on Tuesday.

Flames will host Mali on 15th November before leaving for Addis Ababa for their final African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Ethiopia on 19th November.

Football Association of Malawia (FAM) has stated that due to the event that Flames coach Young Chimodzi and his deputy Jack Chamangwana travel to Scotland for a coaching course, team manager Franco Ndawa will take over the mantle as acting coach.

Chimodzi and Chamangwana’s trip to Scotland coincide with the team’s camping in preparation for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations’ (Afcon) qualifiers against Mali [November 15] and Ethiopia [November 19].

The duo is supposed to attend a Uefa course from November 2 to 4 while the Flames are slated to go into camp on November 3.

Our plan is that Ndawa, who is a qualified coach, will take over the team during the time that the coaches will be away and will be assisted by the team liaison officer James Sangala.

We will give the coaches a direction that is our plan. After all, they will only miss two days of training as they will be returning on November 5; said Nyirenda.

Chimodzi said he had not yet been informed about the arrangement as at noon yesterday.

We have a meeting later today and maybe that is where we’ll map the way forward and thereafter, I will be able to comment, said Chimodzi.

The Football Federation of Morocco on Thursday withdrew from hosting the 2015 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament with the qualification series nearing an end amid looming Ebola fears across the continent.

The Football Federation of Morocco yesterday announced that it withdrew from hosting the 2015 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament with the qualification series nearing an end due to Ebola fears across the continent.

Morocco is said to have written to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to postpone the tournament due to the fear of Ebola spreading across its territories, but CAF rejected the proposal.

Reports reveal that Morocco requested that the Nations Cup be moved to 2016 or the 2015 rights be handed to another country, while the 2017 edition is reserved for them. CAF rejected all the requests and the country backed out completely on Thursday.

If CAF confirms the withdrawal, Morocco will then be sanctioned, and all its clubs and national teams will be banned from continental engagements until the regulatory body decides otherwise.

Meanwhile, 2010 FIFA World Cup hosts, South Africa are on the verge of hosting the tournament contesting against Egypt and Sudan who have indicated interest to take it up from Morocco.

SAFA president, Danny Jordan met with CAF’s committee to discuss that the country host the tournament for a second time in a space of three years.

With South Africa hosting the tournament next year, Egypt would then have to take up the 2017 edition which had been awarded to Southern Africa.

Flames Captain Joseph Kamwendo has urged Flames fans to forget Saturday’s woes and look forwards to an interesting second leg of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2015 qualifiers against the Desert Foxes on Wednesday.

Our squad is strong enough to produce the desired results and the players are keen to shine on Wednesday. “I think we have the squad which is capable of delivering,” Kamwendo said.

“Now with the news that Mali won to Ethiopia everyone is willing to prove a point,” he added.

South Africa based defender Harry Nyirenda, insisted the Flames had the talent to prove their critics wrong.

“I’m very optimistic that we are going to deliver. I can’t think of anything else, but a win. We have a squad and the talent which is capable of winning; he said.

Players included on the trip are: Robert Ng’ambi, Joseph Kamwendo, Francis Mlimbika, John Lanjesi, Frank Banda, Gastin Simkonda, Chiukepo Msowoya, Bashir Maunde, Mecium Mhone, Richard Chipuwa, Robin Ngalande, Chimango Kayira, Philip Masiye, and Mac Donald Harawa.

The Desert Foxes of Algeria are basking comfortably on the summit of group B with 9 points. Mali’s Eagles are second with 6 points; The Flames are third with 3 points and the table is anchored by Ethiopia’s Walias who have neither won nor drawn a game.